AngryYoungMan said:
What is the name of your state? Texas
I need to know what age you can legally leave home in Texas with or without consent, what repurcutions it can have regarding school and/or G.E.D. testing and if parents can legally have the person retained at home until full legal age is reached.
Also any info regarding emancipation, school transfer without parental consent and transfer of guardianship will be greatly appreciated.
I'll give more details if you need it.
Thanks for your help.
Well, you covered a multitude of subjects as well as several Texas codes. For purposes of criminal prosecution, you are legally an adult at age 17 under the Texas Penal code. For purposes of child support, under the Texas Family code, you are a child. Parents are obligated to support their child until the child reaches 18 years of age or graduates from high school, whichever is later, so long as the child is enrolled in a school leading to a high school diploma. Only because I posted the emancipation statute for another 16 year old girl, I will copy and paste that statute for you. As for your other questions, demonstrate your independence by doing your own research.
Texas Family Code
CHAPTER 31. REMOVAL OF DISABILITIES OF MINORITY
§ 31.001. Requirements
(a) A minor may petition to have the disabilities of minority removed for limited or general purposes if the minor is:
(1) a resident of this state;
(2) 17 years of age, or at least 16 years of age and living separate and apart from the minor's parents, managing conservator, or guardian; and
(3) self-supporting and managing the minor's own financial affairs.
(b) A minor may file suit under this chapter in the minor's own name. The minor need not be represented by next friend.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
§ 31.002. Requisites of Petition; Verification
(a) The petition for removal of disabilities of minority must state:
(1) the name, age, and place of residence of the petitioner;
(2) the name and place of residence of each living parent;
(3) the name and place of residence of the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate, if any;
(4) the name and place of residence of the managing conservator, if any;
(5) the reasons why removal would be in the best interest of the minor; and
(6) the purposes for which removal is requested.
(b) A parent of the petitioner must verify the petition, except that if a managing conservator or guardian of the person has been appointed, the petition must be verified by that person. If the person who is to verify the petition is unavailable or that person's whereabouts are unknown, the guardian ad litem shall verify the petition.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
§ 31.003. Venue
The petitioner shall file the petition in the county in which the petitioner resides.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
§ 31.004. Guardian Ad Litem
The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interest of the petitioner at the hearing.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
§ 31.005. Order
The court by order, or the Texas Supreme Court by rule or order, may remove the disabilities of minority of a minor, including any restriction imposed by Chapter 32, if the court or the Texas Supreme Court finds the removal to be in the best interest of the petitioner. The order or rule must state the limited or general purposes for which disabilities are removed.
Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 20, § 1, eff. April 20, 1995.
Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1303, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.